A bill in the South Carolina Senate would make it illegal for new drivers to use a cellphone, the Aiken Standard reports. Additionally, the bill would ban drivers of any age from using a cellphone while traveling in a school zone.

Details of the Bill

The bill proposed by Sen. Vince Sheheen, D-Kershaw, would prohibit people with beginner’s permits or restricted driver’s licenses from operating a motor vehicle while using a cellphone or text-messaging device. Further, drivers would be prohibited from using a cellphone or text-messaging device while traveling through a school zone when the warning lights are on.

The Senate has debated cellphone and texting bans in the past. Last year a similar bill received approval from a Senate committee but failed to pass the full Senate. This bill, however, mainly targets inexperienced drivers.

If the proposal becomes law, violators could be forced to pay a $500 fine. It is one of a number of proposals in the House and Senate that address the issue of distracted driving, according to HandsFreeInfo.com.

South Carolina is one of six states that does not have any statewide law against texting while driving. However, a number of cities, including Columbia, Clemson, Beaufort and Sumter have local laws banning the practice.

Need Legal Help?

Motor vehicle collisions can happen for many reasons. Sometimes a distraction can lead to severe injuries or even death.

Our South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm understand that a car crash can have physical, emotional and financial consequences for all involved. That’s why we’re always ready to fight for your rights if you or someone you love is the victim of a motor vehicle collision. For a free consultation, call us at (888) 324-3100 or fill out our convenient online form today.

About the Author

Mark Joye is the Head of the Litigation Department at the Joye Law Firm. A Board-Certified Trial Advocate with nearly 30 years of litigation experience, he currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice and is a past president of the South Carolina Association for Justice. In a recent trial, Joye headed a trial team that secured $17 million for a family killed in a tractor-trailer accident.

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